Nate nodded, matching the gaze of each speaker in turn. But he was Raven Chief.

And Elk Charm's nomination to Eagle was accepted without challenge.

Her nervousness felt palpable — maybe only because he felt he knew her, in a way. Was familiar with those little tells. She spoke clear and stood true.

He gestured to all in the cirlce, Let all gathered know it and accept it, then, we name Elk Charm Eagle Chief of Walosi. He smiled at her. He was proud. It's to her you'll make suggestions regarding strategy, trade, and where we place our guards. Only the Council may declare war or peace. But she will be our negotiator, and she will speak for us at meetings of leaders far and wide.

So, Elk Charm. He tilted his head and grinned, almost as if inviting her to a game of play-chase. What's our next step?

It was for birds themselves and Tsiskwa clan to oversee the handing out of feathers. In Walosi, they were sacred things, worn to show great victories, great sorrows, and great changes. Those with great connection to spiritual matters must be consulted, to determine the rightness of the giving.

Like many traditions Nate had once kept in his heart and away from the judgmental eyes of men, Ko-Ga had been a little surprised to see Nate-Dog insist upon this at their founding. But it offered the crow leverage to impart gifts of consequence and he would not complain!

Elk Charm was wise to ask Sheauga for permission to share something so important with outsiders, even if outsiders did not see feathers as the same. To the diviner, Sheauga, white-winged crow croaked, Ko-Ga have molt! Can give.

To Elk Charm, he added, For you can fly high, see! Scout. Send message. Ko-Ga also strong warrior. His chest puffed out. If Saatsine need fewer eyes, Ko-Ga take.